Learn to sew a pouf

• How to sew your own piping
• How to insert a zip (standard or invisible)
• How to finish off raw edges neatly using a zig zag stitch or overcast foot. The overlocker will be available for you to use if you are familiar with an overlocker and confident using it.

• Paper templates for the pouf which will be sent out in advance of the class.
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

• Fabric  – it is recommended to use a sturdy, medium to heavyweight fabric.  You can use lighter weight fabric if you interface them first – in which case you will need enough fusible interfacing to interface your fabric pieces.
• 1 x 22″ zipper (an invisible zipper or regular one)
• Machine thread
• Optional – piping cord and fabric for piping
• Lunch – please bring lunch to have or feel free to visit one of the shops or cafes in Knowle.

Bookings

Learn to sew a sweatshirt – Tilly and the Buttons Billie sweater/sweater dress

“Cool, casual and modern, Billie is an ultra-comfy sweatshirt or sweater dress.” “It has a relaxed shape, crew neckline and classic trim details. Keep it effortless with cuffed, straight sleeves, or add some drama with on-trend balloon sleeves and deep cuffs. Choose between top length which sits on the high hip, or mini dress which finishes 10cm (4in) above the knee with gorgeous cutaway pockets.”  (taken from the Tilly and the Buttons website)

This workshop is suitable for those who have used a sewing machine before, can confidently thread the machine and bobbin and have sewn several projects before. If you need a beginners class or a refresher then have a look at beginners classes available. Please get in touch if you are not sure whether this is a suitable level for you.

You will learn how to:

• Take essential body measurements and select your pattern size
• Identify pattern pieces required
• Lengthen/shorten pattern pieces if required
• Accurately cut out pattern pieces
• Identify the grainline of the fabric and lay out pattern pieces correctly
• Follow a commercial sewing pattern
• Cut stretch fabric accurately
• Top tips on how to sew with stretch fabric on a regular sewing machine
• Stabilise necklines and hems on stretch garments
• Top stitch using a twin needle (optional)

If this is your first garment or first time using stretchy fabrics, I would suggest you choose to sew the sweatshirt version. If you are more confident then you could choose the dress or balloon sleeved version.

What is included:

• Paper pattern and step by step instruction booklet worth £17.50 .
• Full tuition in order to make your garment

Pattern sizing

The Billie sewing pattern is sized between UK sizes 6-34.

You will need to measure yourself in order to know how much fabric to get. You cannot compare to high street sizes. Please get in touch if you are uncertain.

You will need to measure your bust, waist and hips. Please refer to my blog post on measuring yourself accurately.

You will need to get:

• Fabric - approximately 1.5m-4m (depends on your size and which version). Upon booking you will be given guidance on how much fabric you will need based on your measurements.

• Optional :
• Ribbing - You can use separate ribbing for the cuffs, hem band, neckline or use the same fabric as the main garment.

I would recommend using ribbing for cuffs etc, if main fabric has less than 20% stretch. For a regular sleeve you will need 0.6m of ribbing and for the balloon sleeve you will need 0.7m of ribbing.

If your fabric is particularly stretchy you can stabilise the shoulder seams using 30cm (12″) of 6-9mm (1/4″) wide satin ribbon.

Fabric suggestions: 

Sweatshirt fleece, French terry, Ponte Roma, double knit, interlock or sweater knit with at least 10% stretch. 

Please give me a call if you are in any doubt about fabric choices or suggestions of where to buy from.

It is recommended to pre wash your fabric before the workshop as it is likely to shrink a little in the first wash. Do not hang your fabric to dry as it will stretch out of shape – dry flat.

Cost £110

Lorna says:

“This has been such a popular Tilly and the Buttons’ pattern and you can see why. I absolutely love this pattern (as you can see from my 3 versions!!). So comfy to wear and with the 3 options in the one pattern, it offers great value for money. Perfect working from home attire! It is a great pattern for those new to sewing with stretch or for those a bit more confident that would like to improve their skills further.“

My versions :

Learn to sew a top –

 the Closet Core Patterns Cielo top

Learn some new dressmaking skills and make a fitted woven top!  Spend a whole day fitting and making a top that is perfect for the Spring/Summer seasons.

This is a day course aimed at those who are familiar with a sewing machine and have made a few projects, preferably including one garment . You must be able to wind a bobbin, thread the machine and sew basic stitches. 

Using the Closet Core Patterns Cielo pattern you will choose and make a short sleeve top. This is a classic pattern and is extremely versatile when combined with different fabric choices. It would work equally well as a casual top or work wear. It  has slightly dropped shoulders, angled shoulder yoke and a roomy fit.

You will learn how to:

• Stay stitch
• Sew and press bust darts
• Alter the bust area of a pattern using a Full Bust Adjustment or Small Bust Adjustment (if necessary)
• Attach neck facings to a garment
• Sew under stitching
• Fit sleeves into a garment
• Finish off seams neatly
• Give garments a clean and professional looking finish

What is included:

• Sewing pattern – Closet Core Pattern Cielo top/dress pattern worth £19.00
• Tea/coffee/soft drinks
• Use of Janome sewing machines
• All sewing tools provided for you to use in order to complete the project

What you need to supply:

• Lunch - please bring your own or feel free to pop into Knowle to get some lunch from the local shop/cafe.
• Materials for top project to include fabric, matching thread and interfacing. You will be advised on how much fabric to bring and what sort of fabric to choose prior to the course.
• Suggested fabrics: For a more structured shape, use light to medium weight wovens such as linen, chambray, or cotton shirtings. For a drapier effect, use rayon challis, tencel, cotton voile or silk (I would only recommend these if you are more experienced).

Size range:

Full bust – 31″-46″

Waist 24″ – 39″

Hips 33″ – 48″

**The pattern does come in an extended size range (up to Full Bust 60″, waist 53″ and hips 63″). This range is only available as a PDF pattern. If you fall into this size range just let me know and we can discuss getting the PDF printed.**

The pattern will be sent to you in advance of the class and there will be a small amount of pattern preparation prior to the class to enable more time on the day itself.

Maximum of 6 spaces.

Lorna says:

“I absolutely love my 2 Cielo tops, I could make a whole wardrobe of them! This project is an excellent way of progressing skills you already have, build on your confidence and learn some new ones. These skills are key components of dressmaking and you will be able to transfer your learning into so many projects. It offers great value for money and a fantastic opportunity to learn, develop and progress their skills in a friendly, sociable setting.  Learning together is so much fun and people really benefit from the support of others and sharing ideas.”

Cost: £120

My versions:

Learn to sew a reversible shoulder bag

Learn how to make a gorgeous reversible shoulder bag in this 3 hour class.

This sewing class is a Level 3 class - You need to have sewn a few simple projects before.

The bag has nice long straps, gorgeous topstitching details and a separate oval base piece.

You will learn:

• Tips on accurate and neat topstitching
• How to ease in patterns pieces to sew 2 curves together
• Sewing round curves accurately
• Optional - learn to insert a magnetic clasp fastening (if you're not worried about the bag being reversible)

Equipment and Materials:

What is included:

• Full use of Janome sewing machines and Prym tools
• Magnetic clasp fastening and interfacing if inserting a clasp.

What you need to bring:

• Fabric - You will need 75cm of 2 different fabrics. Medium weight cottons/ denims/ upholstery weight fabrics would work well
• Machine thread - you can use a contrasting thread to make the top stitching stand out.

Cost £40

Lorna says:

“This is a brand new class and I absolutely love this bag. It goes over your shoulder comfortably, I have already been using one of mine as a project bag - perfect to grab and go! I love that it is reversible too.”

Project from www.sewdiy.com with permission

Bookings

Zips workshop

Does the thought of inserting a zip terrify you?

Do you get confused by standard zips, concealed zips, lapped zips, centred zips, invisible zips…?

Then this workshop is just for you!

Bookings

Learn to sew with oilcloth

Oilcloth can be a really tricky fabric to work with. This 3 hour learn to sew with oilcloth class will teach you the essential skills of sewing with oilcloth and you will make 2 fantastic zipped pouches to take home.

You will learn lots of useful sewing skills including cutting out of fabric accurately, top tips for how to sew with oilcloth and changing feet on the machine. This class includes inserting a zip so you will also learn how to use the zipper foot and how to insert a zip into oilcloth.

You will learn:

• Cutting out of fabric accurately
• Top tips for how to sew with oilcloth
• Changing feet on the machine and use of the zipper foot
• How to insert a zip into oilcloth
• Top stitching
• Sewing gusset corners if sewing the ‘boxy’ pouches

You will make 2 pouches to take home.

• Your first pouch will be a standard zipped pouch for coins or pencils etc (floral design on the picture)
• Then for your second pouch you can do another standard pouch or choose between 2 other design options –  either the standard boxed pouch (pale pink and white spots in picture) or taller pouch with boxed corners at the bottom only (grey and white diamonds on the picture)

Equipment and Materials:

• Janome sewing machines and selection of sewing tools provided to use – including rotary cutters and self healing mats
• All materials included including a small selection of several oilcloths and zips
• Photographic handout of the skills learnt in the workshop will be emailed after the workshop
• Tea & Coffee included

Optional:

You are welcome to bring a your own oilcloth – if so get in touch and I will let you know how much you will need.

Cost £45

Lorna says:

“Oilcloth can be a nightmare to sew with! However, once you learn some top tips about sewing with it, you can make a whole variety of projects using it – aprons, tote bags, placemats, peg bags. It’s a great fabric to use as it can be wiped clean. Come along and gain some confidence sewing with this versatile fabric!”